Crystal Palace have taken a huge stride into the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, after last night’s 3-0 victory over Fiorentina at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles produced a dominant display against the Serie A outfit on home soil, which will see them take a three-goal lead into the second leg next Thursday.
Oliver Glasner will no doubt be delighted with such a performance, with his side finally producing a clinical display and taking advantage of the chances within the final third.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner looks dejected after the match
His men managed to find the back of the net with three of the six shots they placed on target, subsequently producing an outing the fans can be proud of.
Two members of the squad in particular managed to thrive during the triumph in South London, with the pair playing a key role in the magnificent first leg victory.
Crystal Palace’s star performers against Fiorentina
Central midfielder Adam Wharton is a player who’s cemented his place as a key member of Palace’s senior squad in recent times, with his showing last night demonstrating his quality.
The Englishman featured for 89 minutes of the clash with Fiorentina, completing a staggering total of 60 passes, subsequently doing so at a completion rate of 86%.
Wharton-Crystal-Palace
He also created two chances in the process, with 12 of his passes being made into the final third - which demonstrates his phenomenal ability with the ball at his feet.
Wharton wasn’t alone in starring during last night’s victory, with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta producing a performance that could get the fans back on side after his antics in January.
The French international started his first game since the transfer fiasco and managed to get himself on the scoresheet as he tucked home a first-half penalty.
He also managed to create a chance for his teammates, whilst completing 89% of his passes - subsequently producing an all-round performance to be proud of.
The Palace star who could be another Wharton
As previously mentioned, Wharton produced yet another impressive display at the heart of the Palace side - something which the fans have become accustomed to.
Adam-Wharton-Crystal-Palace
The 22-year-old has been one of the Eagles’ shining lights over recent years, which has led to huge interest from various other Premier League clubs for his signature.
The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool have been the two sides most linked with the youngster, but it remains to be seen if the hierarchy would entertain any offers.
Depending on the figure produced for the England international, the club could look to cash in on the midfielder and invest in other areas of the squad and add needed depth.
Losing a player of Wharton’s calibre would be a huge blow, but Daichi Kamada could certainly provide an option for any future manager who takes the reins in South London.
kamada-palace
The Japanese international has struggled for league starts this season - as seen by his tally of just 17 - but he’s been a regular in the Conference League outings this season.
He once again featured at the heart of the side against Fiorentina last night, with the midfielder taking full advantage of the opportunity handed his way by Glasner.
Like Wharton, he was replaced with just a minute remaining against the Italian outfit, but he managed to produce some incredible numbers during his time on the pitch.
Kamada completed 38 passes against the Serie A side during last night’s win, subsequently managing to do so whilst achieving a superb 88% completion rate.
Kamada-1
His talents with the ball at his feet were further reflected in his superb tally of 100% dribbles completed, arguably producing a Rolls-Royce display in possession.
However, without the ball, the 28-year-old was just as impressive, as he made two tackles, foul ball recoveries and came out on top of 80% of his ground duels.
After such a showing, Kamada was handed an impressive 8/10 match rating, with such a showing undoubtedly his best for the Eagles in recent memory.
Crystal Palace player ratings vs Fiorentina
Player
Dean Henderson
Maxence Lacroix
Jaydee Canvot
Chris Richards
Daniel Munoz
Tyrck Mitchell
Adam Wharton
Daichi Kamada
Evann Guessand
Ismaila Sarr
Jean-Philippe Mateta
The Japanese international has certainly handed Glasner a selection dilemma ahead of the return to Premier League action this weekend - with the talent simply undroppable.
Wharton will no doubt get a whole heap of praise for his showing, but his midfield partner certainly managed to step up to the plate and demonstrated there’s hope in life without the Englishman.
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